The Niagara Falls Anti-Racism Committee works to make our city fair and inclusive for everyone. The committee provides direction on anti-racism issues, consults with local groups like schools, police, and service agencies, and helps bring people together to find solutions and take action.
How to report hate crimes and incidents
Anyone who has witnessed or been a victim of hate should report it to the Niagara Regional Police.
For more on hate crimes and incidents, visit the Niagara Regional Police Service website or send an email to [email protected]
Honourary bench – Justice 4 Black Lives March
![Bench Unveiling header]()
Honouring the 5th Anniversary of the Justice 4 Black Lives March
On June 6, 2020, thousands of people marched together through Victoria Avenue, Bridge Street, and River Road. They stood in solidarity near the Whirlpool Bridge to honour the life of George Floyd and speak out against racial injustice in Canada and around the world. That day was a powerful moment of unity with the black community and a call for change.
To mark the 5th anniversary of that historic march, the Niagara Falls Anti-Racism Committee unveiled a special bench at 5125 Victoria Avenue—right along the original march route. This bench stands as a permanent reminder of the movement and the work that continues today.
On June 6, 2025, community members gathered to reflect, remember, and stand together for racial justice.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important day.
Lecture Series
![Listen, Learn, Lead: Anti-Racism Committee Lecture Series]()
On March 27, 2025, the Niagara Falls Anti-Racism Committee hosted the first lecture in the Listen, Learn, Lead series at the Niagara Falls Exchange.
This special event brought people together to hear from powerful speakers, explore important topics, and learn how to lead positive change in their communities. The series focuses on real issues that affect our daily lives, encouraging everyone to listen, learn from each other, and take action.
If you missed it, you can still be part of the conversation! Watch the video and stay tuned for more lectures in this inspiring series.
The Culture Box![culture box logo]()
The Niagara Falls Anti-Racism Committee created the Culture Box to share powerful stories that reflect many voices and experiences. The books highlight people from different races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and physical or mental abilities.
Many community members grew up reading books where they didn’t see themselves represented. That’s why this resource is so important. These stories help kids see themselves in books and learn about others too.
We teamed up with the Niagara Falls Public Library to build this collection. It includes nine boxes of books for Kindergarten to Grade 8 classrooms.
Educators, community groups, and others can borrow the Culture Box kits to explore new perspectives and better understand the world around us.
Visit the Niagara Falls Public Library Culture Box Collection to view the catalogue.
Countering Hate at Home: Communities Resist the Rise of Right-wing Extremism
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The Niagara Falls Anti-Racism Committee hosted an important talk about the rise of right-wing extremism and how it affects our local community.
Expert speaker Dr. Barbara Perry shared how hate and extremism have grown in Canada and how local communities can face down hate at home. Dr. Perry is a professor at Ontario Tech University and the Director of the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism. She works with leaders and media across Canada and around the world as an expert in her field.
If you missed this powerful event, you can still watch it online.
Committee meetings, agendas and minutes
Visit the Council portal for committee meeting agenda and minutes.
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Held virtually over Zoom
Dates:
- January 13, 2025
- March 17, 2025
- May 26, 2025
- July 21, 2025
- September 15, 2025
- November 17, 2025
Staff advisors from Human Resources and Recreation and Culture will join meetings when needed to support discussions, but they won’t vote. Their attendance will depend on the topics being discussed and may include City staff and other stakeholders.
Committee members
Committee members serve a term of four years (2023-2026).
Visit the Council Portal for a current list of Culture Committee members.
City staff liaison:
Clark Bernat, Culture and Museums Manager
905-356-7521 ext. 5906
[email protected]
Committee rules
Resources
